Lightish, brightish. ―― Foord’s men came & fixed in the Bethlehem & Interlaken & [seamed] & moved the Lebanon. Worked off & on ― but was not well, & slept a good bit. John Blencowe came. ― Later Sir Walter & Lady James, both whom were very nice & pleasant. She is assuredly a delight. ― At 4.30 walked to Mrs. E. Stanley’s: ― Mr. Penrhyn is worse. ― Had hair cut: Fearon there. ― Home to dress & at 7.30 to Sir Walter James.

But I found at home a most grievous & sad letter from J.B.E. ― who has thrown up his appointment & is going into foreign service! Nothing has vexed me as much for a long time.

Sir W.’s dinner was really pleasant

Gladstone was really charming ― talked of Corfû ― & Athens, &c. After dinner music: ἀλλὰ δὲν ἐτραγούδισα ἐγὼ.1 ― Called at James’s club ― not there: at his lodgings ― but found him asleep: so I left a card only.